Portland's economic development strategy - inscrutable

Documents presented to the public or used for public benefit must communicate effectively its meaning and therefore its ramifications. The goal must be to inform. The Portland Economic Development Strategy (Strategy) fails English 101.

It is not well structured. There is no table of contents nor executive summary. It is teeming with buzzwords and has undefined terms of art. Many sentences are excessively long and incomprehensible.

Prime example. “A cluster strategy is the logical organizing principle for growing traded sector industries because disparate efforts at retention, expansion, innovation, international trade, land assembly and workforce development can be coordinated in a manner that makes more efficient use of resources and captures synergies in otherwise unrelated activities (e.g.; coordinated training and research at local universities).”

Clusters and traded sectors are essentially terms of art that need definition for those of us who are not in know. The Regional Business Plan (RBP), pp 9 – 12, does the job. [Examples of industry clusters is found on page 10 of the RBP; see too the state site for clusters.]

This is a city of buzzwords. Speakers can't seem to converse in sentences and paragraphs. But buzzwords are perfect for politicos and other leaders who haven't yet thought through what it is that they 'believe.' Buzzwords covey a universal message without content.

Too much text panders to the residents, and for good reason – it is going to cost them. E. g., the city's goal is to “[t]o build the most sustainable economy in the world.” Combine that with the justification for spending tax payer dollars: “achieving prosperity for all residents necessitates investment in economic development to realize those benefits.” And what do you get? Bunk!

The Strategy sees “dense, green development” as part of a “sustainable lifestyle.” This is more of the Transit Oriented Design hokum. The city sees it as a good thing, but I don't see it. The American dream for city leaders and PDC is packing people in and around a MAX stop. Of course – they are not one of those being packed.

Assumption of unsupported facts and exaggeration: “These two anchors for growth – leadership in sustainability and a dispersed, trade-focused economy – combine to create staggering opportunities for Portland businesses and the city’s economy as a whole.. And Portland's unemployment rate is?

The Strategy does make a stab at the definition of sustainability in the context of “sustainable economy.” But rather than a definition, it is a description of how good the future will be if you just drink the Kool-Aid. For the city and PDC it is nirvana.

“In a sustainable economy, people live and do business in ways that are good for the economy, the environment, and for communities. The usual tradeoffs between growth, sustainability and equity are not necessary. Businesses are more efficient, innovative and competitive internationally. The local talent pool is deeper. Business activity reinforces our commitment to sustainability and our leadership in sustainability contributes to a thriving local economy. All Portland residents have access to quality jobs and share in the growth of the economy.”

Pie in the sky. Lucy in the sky with diamonds. Yellow brick road. Disneyland. However, one might characterize the Strategy's view of the future – it is illogical and bereft of reality. It is fit only for Pollyanna and her glad game, believers in Santa Claus, Easter bunny and the tooth fairy.

In the Strategy it is unclear how sustainability or green puts Portland on a better path for economic growth. It is a “trust us” attitude. There is no factual connection between “sustainability”” and production of family wage jobs.

Family wage jobs how realistic is that? The Strategy didn't define 'family wage' leaving that to the reader. Nor is it specified how new jobs whether in the traded or non-traded sectors will generate family wages. And where will these wage earners live?.

The Strategy is propaganda. It is devoid of facts and demonstrates a lack reality. The city and PDC, twiddle dee and twiddle dum, ought to hire the necessary consultants – not our local guys who will tell you whatever you want to hear – but those who will tell you what you don't want to hear.

The Strategy is unlikely to find a receptive audience in the poor, working poor or the working class who will be looked to for funding of this expedition for the fountain of youth.

It is ironic that PDC is leading this charge since it has failed to carry out its responsibility for economic development of the city. Frankly, at this time, neither PDC nor the city government has the expertise to drive an independent economic resurgence and growth in the city.